Akash Missile Fails to Destroy PTA Target

Misfortune struck the Akash missile project once again during a user associate trial from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the Odisha coast on Wednesday. The missile, test-fired by the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, reportedly failed to destroy the target.After twin successes in February, this sophisticated surface-to-air nuclear capable missile this time missed the ‘missed-distance’ proximity. It was the missile’s first trial of the three-trial series.

Defence sources said the missile was launched from the launching complex-III of the ITR at Chandipur-on-sea at about 2.43 pm. Prior to firing of the missile, a pilot-less target aircraft (PTA) was flown from the launching complex-II at about 2.30 pm.“The missile was to destroy the PTA at an altitude of nearly 2 km as per the pre-designated coordination. But the mission failed as the weapon could not destroy the target.

Though it attained the desired altitude, it failed to pass through missed-distance proximity,” said an official from the launching complex.The official said generally the missile does not directly hit the target, it passes through the missed-distance proximity, which may be 10 metres, 20 metres or 100 metres as per the coordination, causing auto-detonation of the proximity fuse in the target. “This time the missile passed away from the proximity area,” he informed.

Two more rounds of the tests have been planned to be carried out on Friday. “The defence scientists are working to fix the problem and hopefully the missile will be ready for test. The DRDO is providing all logistic supports for the trials,” the official added.On May 28 and May 30, 2012, the missile had failed to take off from the launch pad at the ITR. Two trials of the missile were planned back-to-back within a gap of one minute to gauge the flight consistency and effectiveness of the weapon system.Akash is a short-range anti-aircraft missile and can destroy targets 25 km away. The 5.8-metre sleek missile weighs around 720 kg and can carry a warhead of 50 kg. The missile is crucial to India’s air defence programme as it will be used to counter ballistic and cruise missiles, enemy aircraft and air-to-surface missiles.

This weapon can handle multiple targets with the help of a digitally coded command and guidance system. It is fuelled by solid propellants.The Akash missile system which is similar to the American Patriot air-to-surface missile system can track 64 targets simultaneously through its inbuilt sophisticated radar and fire 12 missiles at a time.